Effect of inorganic or organic copper additions on reproductive performance, lipid metabolism and morphology of organs of dual-purpose breeding hens

A total number of one hundred and twenty (100 female + 20 male) dual propose breeding chickens of Gimmizah strain was housed in individual cages in semi open house during 30-50 wks of age. Birds were distributed randomly into five treatments (20 female + 4 male). The 1st treatment was fed a control, unsupplemented, diet (17.5% CP and 11.4 MJ ME/kg) containing 10 mg Cu/kg by analysis. The 2(nd), 3(rd), 4(th) and 5(th) treatments were fed the control diet supplemented with 60 and 120 mg Cu/kg from inorganic (Copper sulfate pentahydrate) and organic sources (Bioplex (R) Cu-lysine, 10%), respectively. Productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, plasma and yolk cholesterol and histopathology of liver, spleen and intestinal were investigated. Level and/or source of Cu did not significantly affect laying rate, EW, EM, and FCR. Piped embryos significantly (P < 0.004) decreased due to addition of 120 ppm of ICu and 60 ppm of OCu. The tibia Ca percentages significantly (P < 0.005) increased due to Cu supplementation. Level and/or source of Cu significantly (P < 0.01 and P <0.0001) affected plasma cholesterol. Yolk cholesterol significantly decreased with Cu addition at both levels of supplemented Cu sources. The plasma Cu significantly (P < 0.0001) increased with Cu supplementation at 60 and 120 ppm and OCu was more efficient than ICu. In conclusion, Cu level at 10 ppm was adequate for productive and reproductive performance and egg quality of laying hens. Although, addition at 60 ppm OCu decreased cholesterol in plasma and egg yolk this can't be recommended due to its toxic effect on organ morphology confirming EU regulation of 35 ppm as the maximum permitted level.